Lunch should be a laid-back affair.
As much as we'd like to get out for a nice long lunch -- or even a sandwich -- during the week, it's not realistic with our crazy hectic workdays.
There are places where you really want to savor your meal -- you know, kick back with a glass of wine while indulging in decadent fare. You don't want to have to blow through your dining experience in a hurry -- you might as well go to Mickey D's.
But the next time you want to savor your noontime meal, you should know that Council Oak Steaks & Seafood at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino recently launched a new lunch on the weekend.
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Now every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., with extended bar hours from 3 to 5 p.m., the highly acclaimed Hard Rock spot is offering an a la carte lunch menu as well as two or three prix fixe items.
"Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood was in need of a sophisticated fine-dining lunch option," says Justin Wyborn, vice president of food and beverage at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Classic, and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. "Guests have the option to enjoy an afternoon breeze while dining alfresco style on the Council Oak patio area, with a choice of lighter-fare lunch items as well as signature favorites offered from our dinner menu, all with quick service for additional convenience."
The a la carte menu features gourmet lunch sandwich served with house-made fries such as the Council Oak Cuban with house-made pickles, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, pork belly croquet, and crispy fried yucca ($18); lobster griddle with Maine lobster salad, Havarti cheese, grilled potato bread, and tomato bisque ($22); and beef tenderloin with caramelized onions and arugula on toasted ciabatta with blue cheese and horseradish ($20). The Council Oak Dry Aged Burger with lettuce, tomato, and bone marrow mayonnaise is served on brioche with a side of house-made fries ($18). Toppings are offered for three bucks apiece, including Applewood smoked bacon, quail egg, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, Maytag blue cheese, and aged Vermont cheddar. Seared foie gras is $18.
"Of special note on the menu is a sumptuous lobster melt sandwich with house-made tomato soup on the side, a new creation that chef David 'Ray' Roach drew from his New England heritage, plus the first-time appearance of a true burger at Council Oak with classic and modern sides," says Wyborn.
Lighter options are also available, including a raw bar with seasonal clams, oysters, and crabs (right now, it's king and stone crab). Jumbo lump crab cakes are served on a bed of herb salad with tomato and orange marmalade ($13).
Salads are featured as well, with offerings like the steak house salad ($18), classic caesar ($15), seared ahi tuna ($18), and Council Oak Cobb ($18).
Sides range from truffle fries ($9) and Dauphinoise potatoes ($9) to Council Oak cream corn ($9) to South African cold water lobster tail (market price).
The restaurant is known for its cosmopolitan yet inviting atmosphere and high-end steaks and seafood; it serves USDA, prime, dry-aged stockyard beef and line-caught seafood.
Council Oak offers more than 300 wines from more than 13 counties with a large selection available by the glass. It received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2012.
Council Oak is located at 1 Seminole Way. Call 954-327-7501, or visit counciloakhollywood.com.
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